SALT LAKE CITY — NSF International launched a new program to certify distributors who sell automotive aftermarket collision parts at the Collision Industry Conference annual meeting. The new NSF Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification Program closes the gap in the supply chain between part manufacturers and body shops.

The Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA) sponsored andworked closely with NSF to develop the new program to meet critical supply chain requirements, including parts traceability. The program meets the needs of collision repair shops, insurers and ultimately consumers, as it requires distributors to have quality management systems in place that address traceability, service and quality issues with regard to both certified and non-certified parts.

NSF certified distributors will be required to have records systems and inventory tracking systems in place that can track customer defective part complaints, trace a part to a body shop and trace a part sale. This gives the industry the ability to track all defective part complaints and trace parts from the manufacturer through the distribution channel to the body shop.

“For many years the collision industry has asked for an effective system to track and recall, if necessary, any defective safety parts. The new NSF Distributor Certification Program accomplishes that goal. The NSF program provides collision repairers and their customers’ peace of mind that certified distributors are focused on delivering quality parts and service,” said ABPA Board Chairman Dan Morrissey.

Requirements for distributors to earn NSF certification include:

an ISO 9001 certified quality management system,

a part traceability and inventory tracking system,

a defective parts procedure including a customer part complaint process, and

the ability to administer a manufacturer’s recall.

Distributors meeting the certification requirements will be able to use the NSF Certified Distributor Mark on their website and promotional materials indicating they are an NSF certified distributor. Certified distributors also will be included in NSF’s online certification listings. All NSF certified distributors will undergo ongoing quality systems inspections to maintain certification.

“The NSF Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification Program certifies a distributor’s ability to meet rigid performance standards and was developed in support of NSF’s mission to create programs that help protect and improve public health and safety,” said Bob Frayer, Director of NSF International’s Automotive Aftermarket Certification Programs and the NSF Engineering Laboratories.

To arrange a media interview regarding this program contact Greta Houlahan at houlahan@nsf.org or 734-913-5723.

About NSF International: NSF International, an independent organization, certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting public health and safety worldwide. NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food and Water Safety and Indoor Environment.

NSF International Strategic Registrations (NSF-ISR), a NSF International Company, is recognized globally as one of the premier registrars of automotive manufacturing facilities (www.nsf-isr.org). NSF-ISR is one of the top three ISO/TS registrars in the U.S. with more than 350 automotive-focused auditors supporting the program. In addition to accredited registration programs, NSF-ISR also offers an Automotive Aftermarket Parts Certification Program to help ensure aftermarket auto parts (e.g. steel bumpers, step bumpers, brackets, rebars, sheet metal, lighting and absorbers) meet rigid quality, safety and performance standards in terms of form, fit and function. NSF-ISR also offers an Automotive Aftermarket Collision Parts Distributor Certification Program that closes the supply chain gap between parts manufacturers and body shops by addressing key requirements, including automotive parts traceability and recall processes.